Business Computing BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The Business Computing BSc degree shares a common first year with other Computing pathways, with flexible progression into the second year. On Business Computing you will have the option to tailor your second and third years to specialise to suit your career aspirations and curiosities.

  After your second year, you have the opportunity to work on a placement year, learning in industry and creating contacts that will be valuable when you graduate, improving your chances of getting the first step in your future career.

  In the final year, you will study Security, Business Intelligence and Project Management at greater depth as you develop your strategic skills alongside the practical ones. You will have the option to choose to develop a practical build for your dissertation or research and evaluate emerging technologies. With the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained from the computing course, you will be well equipped to enter the workplace or continue with further study to best fulfil your personal ambitions and potential.

  Modules

  Modules for Business Computing BSc (Hons) can be found here.

   

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Problem Solving and Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1020

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; to develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language (HLPL); gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming language e.g. Java; introduce an object-oriented language initially as a non-object language.
    • Digital Footprints (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1030

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?to understand and apply and the principles of data integrity and protection to take responsibility for managing and capitalising on your online presence. Digital footprint is a self-managed, online module that considers the data trail and shadow left by interactions in digital environments. The module develops a broad understanding of the impact of individual and organisational online presence in the context of digital marketing, data protection, ethical issues and good practice to optimise employability and prospects.
    • Computer Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1061

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up a computer system and overview the important concepts in preparation for future study of computer science.
    • Web Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1063

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of client side web technologies. This module provides students with: the essential knowledge and practical skills to design, develop and implement a Web site to contemporary web standard
    • Software Engineering Fundamentals (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1064

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop student's experience with the multiple stages of software engineering life-cycles from initial need and requirements identification through to the design and implementation of code in order to develop confidence in the use of terminology and techniques for each of the stages.
    • Databases Design and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1065

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to apply the principles of database integrity in the design and development of database structures. This is a practical module that applies data modelling techniques to establish, modify and maintain database integrity, structures and associated components such as entities, relationships and attribute definitions.
  • Stage 2
    • Quality and User-Centred Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2041

      Status: Compulsory
      Creating high quality information systems involves many different factors and all stages of the lifecycle. It relies on the establishment of standards, guidelines and techniques at each stage, and on a quality culture which embeds quality by design. Through this module you will build up a thorough understanding of the complexity of the user-technology relationship and how to ensure that the developed system fits the user needs and expectations.
    • Website Design (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2043

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to focus on website interface design and develop principles, practices and concepts of web development to the next level. Building functional and professionally consistent websites involves an understanding of not only the interface, but how users experience design (UXD), interact with design (XD), and work with clients. The development of current coding and scripting skills are developed to support aesthetic considerations.
    • Server Administration and Security (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2085

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students with the skills to create a secure hosting environment and knowledge on how to deploy a website live on the web using modern concepts such as containerisation and a focus on security.
    • Group Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2088

      Status: Compulsory
      The module is designed to develop higher-order intellectual skills (problem-solving) and appropriate personal qualities including team working. Each group will develop and document effective, robust and high-quality computing systems to a professional standard in response to a supplied specification of requirements.
    • Web Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2089

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of the concepts and technologies of web based server side technologies; teach students to use up-to-date programming techniques to design and develop coherent server side software for websites with a focus on security, functionality and usability.
    • Object-Relational Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2093

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the fundamental concepts and skills of Entity Relational Models (ERMs) and Structured Query Language (SQL). It introduces extended-relational databases; user-defined types, their practical creation, application along with valuable data extraction methods to provide intelligence and database programming (PL/SQL).
    • Systems Design and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2094

      Status: Designate
      This purpose of this module is to extend and apply system design and development to large scale systems; explore building GUIs so that the idea of specifying general software components and implementing re-usable classes will become familiar; provide tools and skills which the student will require when encountering design projects.
  • Stage 3
    • Business Intelligence (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3034

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is the link between business and IT, allowing student to use and evaluate technologies and infrastructures needed to synthesize valuable information providing businesses with a competitive edge. Data analysis, reporting, and query tools are used to develop insights for business decisions. Business Intelligence (BI) represents a category of applications and technologies for gathering, storing, visualising, analysing, and providing access to data to make informed business decisions.
    • IT Project Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3037

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is for students to absorb a considerable body of knowledge, which can then be reinforced by application of the theory. The module therefore employs a combination of theory and practice using real or simulated IT projects of diverse sizes. Content will be delivered by lecture and workshop sessions. Students? understanding of the theory will be tested by time-constrained assessment. Practical assignments will be based around a scenario (e.g. development of a database system requiring coordination of a diverse team comprising designers and programmers) and require students to work in groups, planning and controlling the project.
    • Media Technology (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3058

      Status: Designate
      Media Technology is an important aspect to Computer Science. This module will introduce a range of technologies relevant to modern multimedia systems. This includes computer graphics, digital image processing, online video streaming, immersive media, and other advanced applications. Student will develop audio-visual systems in a third generation computer language.
    • Modern Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3059

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to study advanced/latest database topics. The module focuses primarily on NoSQL databases (e.g., graph and document databases), from designing and creating to querying the databases.
    • Cybersecurity and Applied Cryptography (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3062

      Status: Designate
      This module provides students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical understanding of the technologies used to secure communications and protect the privacy of users within an online environment. Concepts introduced, and skills learnt, provide the necessary technical underpinning to enable the student to address the issues of effective Security.
    • Computing Project Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: CSY4022

      Status: Compulsory
      This project module provides the opportunity for the student to undertake independent research, development, and self-management of a Computing related project leading to completing a dissertation. An essential outcome for this module is that the student?s project deliverable includes the design and development of a system, or a software application, or a novel functional approach that relates to the main areas of student study, and that can be used, applied or demonstrated in some way. Students on the BSc Business Computing may engage on a research centered project resulting in a report of analysis of an appropriate topic.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Business Computing degree at the University of Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree in Business Computing, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  How many hours per week of teaching/ personal tutoring?

  You will spend 12 hours per week in class.  Including self-directed study time you will spend 200 hours in total on each 20 credit module.

  How will I be assessed?

  You will be assessed on practice and theory through practical implementations, reports, essays, demonstrations and examinations. Most modules are designed to develop problem solving techniques and interpersonal skills and many provide the opportunity for group work.

  What is the difference between computer science and a business computing degree?

  IT systems are relevant in a business context and their success relies on more than technical competencies.  Business Computing embeds commercial purpose within the critical technical skills.  You will learn the practical skills of a computing degree, but their application will be strategic rather than conceptual.

  Is Business Computing a good degree?

  Yes. Technology recruiters are looking for commercial awareness combined with technical skills.  Business Computing provides you with skills that set you apart from those who only demonstrate technical proficiency. It provides you with the opportunity to study and develop a rounded skillset to achieve success.  Business Computing has been designed with advancing your career in mind, providing engaging material and assessments to challenge and develop your graduate life. Our students create IT systems as well as coordinate and manage teams and processes to provide viable solutions.

  Why choose Business Computing?

  What do Bezos, Zuckerberg and Gates have in common? Among other things, their ability to see and deliver the commercial context that would support their creations. Technical competency will only take your so far. A Business Computing course provides corporate perspective and the opportunity to expand yourself and your prospects. Ever heard of Julie and Steve Pankhurst? Probably not…

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